Interesting stuff PL and congratulations.
About two months ago we posted a link see:
http://www.resourceshelf.com/2006/06/30/get-ready-skylineglobe-is-coming-soon-for-end-users/
to a sneak preview that was givent to mapping/GIS expert Adena Schutzberg of Skyline Global. This service due at any time (for consumers) and is in the same category of Google Earth but is a plug-in and not a full client app. The developer site is already available.
+ Adena tells us it's a web based, 3D tool.
+ " A free downloadable 5Mb browser plug-in is required to access SkylineGlobe.com. That's important; this is not a desktop app like Google Earth, but a plug-in. There's also a professional version, SkylineGlobe Pro, that allows not just viewing, but the ability to author 3D environments and to collaborate. It runs $500/year."
+ "Developers need to be aware of two important characteristics that distinguish Skyline's product from the offerings of other 3D globe products: Skyline offers a FREE API to build globe applications based on the technology and the ability to overlay imagery (still or video) in real time over the terrain."
+ "While the data are very nice, the tools are the stars of the show at SkylineGlobe.com. There's a data creator for scribbling or marking points of interest."
+ The service will also offer live free traffic cam aggregator Trafficland. See:
http://www.resourceshelf.com/2006/08/09/real-time-information-10-trafficland-continues-expansion-this-time-in-canada-and-the-uk/
for more about Trafficland. It's free service. Skyline global will also offer weather info updated every three minutes.
+ Finally, Adena writes, "The Guided Tour tool is perhaps the most unique. After signing in, one user may "drive the screen" of a second user, taking them on a tour. "
Screen caps are available in Adena's review.
See Also: SkylineGlobe overview from the company:
http://www.skylineglobe.com/Registration/introduction.aspx
You can also register for notification as the service goes live and more screen caps.
See Also: Video Tour (via News.com)
http://news.com.com/1606-2_3-6084473.html
Three quick notes:
1) SkylineSoftware has offered their technology for years. One product is called TerraExplorer and with a small download free allows you to sample "flying" over several cities. Remember, SkylineGlobe is a new product.
http://www.skylinesoft.com/corporate/corporate_home.asp
2) The user gallery offers lots of cool 3D apps
http://www.skylinesoft.com/interactive/showcase/Showcase_home.asp
The Mt. Everest 3D tour is very cool.
http://www.mt-everest-3d.com/
3) If the name Skyline sounds familiar re: Google, you are on target. Skyline is suing Google claiming that it (Keyhole) is infringing on a Skyline patent. The company first asked for distribution of Google Earth to be halted while the court was deciding. Skyline lost. However, the actual trial is scheduled for this Fall. This story has more. The last couple of paragraphs has info on the trial.
http://news.com.com/Google+Earth+may+catch+a+break+in+patent+quake/2100-1032_3-6056716.html
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